These 12 Hidden Gems In New Jersey Are The State’s Best-Kept Secrets

New Jersey has a treasure trove of delightful secrets, just waiting to be discovered. From gorgeous gardens to quirky state monuments, epic sandwich menus to alien invasions, these 12 hidden gems in New Jersey are the state’s best-kept secrets.

1. Rutgers Gardens, a secret garden hidden between highways

Rutgers Gardens / Facebook

Rutgers Gardens / Facebook

These gorgeous, secret gardens are located in New Brunswick, just minutes from the Turnpike and nestled under the Route 1 exit ramps. Rutgers Gardens is home to America's second-largest collection of holly, and they even have their own farmers market featuring some of the freshest fruit in Jersey. Learn more about Rutgers Gardens on their website.

2. Sinatra's Towel

White House Sub shop / Facebook

Located in White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, enjoy a spectacular sandwich, celebrity memorabilia and famous guests. This is certainly a quirky, Jersey-centric spot! Find the menu and more information for White House on their website.

3. Women's Federation Monument

Charles Boyle / Flickr

This beautiful tower overlooks the Hudson River from atop the Palisades Cliffs. It commemorates the role of the New Jersey Women's Federation in preserving the natural beauty of the cliffs. It is an incredibly scenic spot, perfect for picnics and totally Insta-worthy photo opps.

4. The Haddonfield dinosaur

Dave Buchhoefer / Flickr

The first full dinosaur skeleton to be found in North America was discovered in 1858 in Haddonfield, New Jersey! Bet you didn't know that. While the skeleton is currently on display in Philadelphia, Downtown Haddonfield commemorates its paleontological notoriety with a life-size dinosaur model. If you totally geek out about dinosaurs (and who doesn't, really?), check out this NJ fossil park!

5. New Jersey Craft Beer Club

Smab Sputzer / Flickr

If you love craft beer, join the club! Perks include discounts at bars, clubs, pubs and liquor stores - you can even save on food. Deals range from $1 off a drink to 10% off your order, and they're valid at more than 100 breweries throughout the state. Learn more right here.
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6. The world's oldest magic shop

Martinka Magic / Facebook

Once owned by Houdini, Martinka has been in business for over 130 years. They operate as a shop and museum, offering autographs, tricks and memorabilia. Guests are welcome to buy, sell or simply explore the Midland Park store during business hours: 12-5:30, Tuesday through Friday. Visit their website to see everything that's being offered at this one-of-a-kind spot.
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7. Windmill Hot Dogs

Delicious dogs, a unique building and just minutes from the beach in Long Branch! There's a reason that Windmill was named one of the best hot dog shops in the state!

8. Hackensack River Eco-Cruises

The Hackensack River may seem like a strange spot for a cruise, but you're sure to be surprised by the wildlife and beautiful scenery at this outdoor gem! Take a ride with the Hackensack Riverkeepers - learn more about what they offer on their website, here.

9. The secret menu at Jersey Mike's

Though this shop isn't just a Jersey chain, it got its start in Manasquan, and there are 49 locations in The Garden State. Try the Cancro Special, with roast beef, provolone, and pepperoni, all grilled and toasted until the cheese is melted perfection. Yum! Here's a guide to their secret menu
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10. Sybil's Cave

Walter Burns / Flickr

Located in Hoboken, this cave was once a popular tourist attraction, but is now gated off. Still, the site has some interesting history: an unsolved murder here inspired Edgar Allen Poe's "The Mystery of Marie Roget." Though the cave is closed, you can still see the exterior while walking along the waterfront.
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11. Duke Farms

This gorgeous estate in Hillsborough is free and open to the public and offers a wide range of activities. Walk the gardens, hunt for a geocache, stop at the cafe or participate in the bike share program! Learn more about Duke Farms on their website.
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12. Coffee that's out-of-this-world at Grover's Mill Coffee Co

Grover Mills Coffee House / Facebook

​If you're a regular reader, you're probably aware of the Grover's Mill alien invasion scare of 1938. We've actually covered the monument in a previous article, but recently discovered this alien-themed coffee shop. It's dedicated to the Halloween radio broadcast of War of the Worlds, which people mistakenly took as fact. Bizarre! But great coffee. Visit their website for more information!

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​Address: 112 Log Cabin Rd, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902, USA
Address: 2301 Arctic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA
Address: Norwood, NJ 07648, USA
Address: 37e Lantern Ln, Haddonfield, NJ 08033, USA
Address: 103 Godwin Ave, Midland Park, NJ 07432, USA
Address: 586 Ocean Blvd, Long Branch, NJ 07740, USA
Address: 231 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
Address: 2627 NJ-70, Manasquan, NJ 08736, USA
Address: Frank Sinatra Dr, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
Address: 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844, USA
Address: 295 Princeton Hightstown Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550, USA